Out of Work? Should You Move to Find a Job?

Finding a fulfilling, reliable job that you truly enjoy can be incredibly difficult. In fact, finding a job at all can be a real challenge.

So, what do you do if you’re unemployed? What steps can you take to land your dream job? Should you hire a long distance moving company and move somewhere else to find work? Or, should you stay put and hope for the best?

This is an extremely tricky question to answer; there are pros and cons to each option. Let’s take a look at these in more detail so you can make an informed decision.

The State of Employment in Australia

In September 2016, Australia’s unemployment level unexpectedly dropped to 5.6 per cent, a figure below market estimates. In August of the same year, unemployment levels were at 5.7 per cent. Amazingly, this was the lowest unemployment rate since September 2013, as labour force participation dropped and the economy lost 9,800 jobs.

Although the number of full-time employees decreased by 7,900 persons, a rise in part-time employment is something worth noting. This trend saw an increase of 11,800 persons joining the part-time work force.

So what does this mean for you – someone without a job, looking to pack up and move somewhere else for work?

It means you will be in the midst of some tough competition. There are millions of unemployed and ‘underemployed’ Australian’s that would jump at the chance to secure a good job. If you’re in that same boat, changing location may help you land a long-term, full-time position.

Moving to Find a Job: The Risks

Uprooting and moving to a new area can have a huge impact on your life, especially if you have a close network of friends and family. Before you consider anything else, ask yourself whether or not you are able to leave behind the people in your town. If not, it’s best to keep looking where you are.

Another important factor to consider is cost. Moving house comes with its fair share of expenses. Here’s a small sample:

Finding a new place to live: If you own your current house, you will need to sell it or rent it out. You will then need to search and rent a new property.

Installing new utilities: You will need to hook up your new home with Internet, electricity, gas, and more. This can be a time-consuming process.

Changing insurance policies: Again, this can sometimes be a complex process.

Finally, leaving a town or city you know means leaving behind your ‘connections’. You will be the new kid in school, and potential employees won’t know your history, experience, or expertise. This can pose a huge risk in today’s economy, as having the right ‘connections’ is one of the most steadfast ways to get a great job.

Overcoming These Risks and Landing a Good Job

There are a few precautions you can take that can make moving to find a job a successful endeavour.

Research the Job Market in Australia

There are areas in Australia where the unemployment rate is low and good jobs are available. Do your research to find the hotspot for your industry. According to CommSec’s April 2016 State and Territory Economic Performance Report, NSW held the best performing economy. Victoria, however, is predicted to overtake NSW in the following year.

Secure a Job Before Moving

If you are able to secure a job before you make the move, the entire process will run smoothly. That being said, sometimes in life we do need to take risks. Unfortunately, the number of people in Australia living below the internationally accepted poverty line is increasing. According to an October 2016 ACOSS report, a staggering 2.9 million Aussies are doing it tough. Making the move could keep you out of that situation.

To Move or Not to Move?

While there is no right answer to this question, it’s clear that sitting put and waiting for a job to come your way just isn’t a viable solution. Many Australians are taking the risk and moving to find employment in a faraway town.

Have you every moved to find work? If so, We’d love to hear about your experience.